HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-11-TREE-min
Minutes of the Lexington Tree Committee Meeting October 11, 2007
Present were: David Pinsonneault, Tree Warden; Jeanne Kreiger, Selectman Liaison.
Committee members: John Frey, Chairman; Karen Longeteig, Markus Pinney, Gerry
Paul, Anne Senning, Nell Walker. Visitor: Barbara Kent
1.Nell Walker was appointed scribe. The minutes of Sept. 13, 2007 were approved with
one change.
2. Tree Warden’s agenda items and By-law report:
2a. David Pinsonneault commented that due to the recent approval of the by-law it is
worthwhile to run an article (particularly for developers) in the Minuteman noting the
changes recently approved by the AG. The Town Counsel should get a draft of this
announcement article.
By-law report: 532 sites visited, 425 closed. Total applications for tree removal 638,
with 482 trees removed. Total trees to plant 1,520, with 1,098 planted.
2b. Inventory: Anne S. reported that a new computer (Dell) replaces the one stolen last
month. It is dedicated to the Tree Committee use and files are in the process of being
transferred from backup. It will be kept in secure location at the White House along with
two existing handheld computers. Another handheld is on order.
Pinsonneault commented that we have produced a “live inventory”, not one which sits
on a shelf. He will be using the results.
Documentation by the summer interns permit the input of new data. For instance, with
the GIS link ( although GIS is not quite all there yet), trees in poor condition can be
located and coordinated with the work order system. John said we should report this to
the Selectmen as one of the benefits of the inventory.
2c. Belfry Hill CPA grant status: Anne S. reported that we have a go signal for a CPA
grant application, but that it be based on a tree restoration program emphasizing the
removal of invasive trees and shrubs (Norway Maples especially) and installation of
sapling native species. Jeanne K. suggested that Anne contact Susan Bennet
(Historical Society Exec Director) to explore the historical angle. Nov. 1 is the deadline
for the application.
2e. A by -product of this summer’s inventory is a need to set up a system to handle
outside requests for inventory info, since one intern (Hattis) wants the data for a
research program. The committee voted unanimously to set up a process for users’
“research”. It should include a questionnaire about the purpose of the research, an OK
from the Tree Com, and their signature promising us a copy of their report.
2f. John reported that 2 Elms and a Maple will be planted by DPW in E. Lexington by
the end of the month. Also the Garden Club will fund the planting of three trees this fall:
2 on the Belfry land along Clarke St. and one at Cary Library. Three more (Sourwoods)
are scheduled for spring installation on Meriam St. near the Minuteman Bike path
crossing.
2g. Tree Farm work day on 10/27 was announced by Jim Wood, with help asked from
Friends of Trees. Irrigation lines will be drained and weedwhacking will be done. Matt
Foti did some work to tree roots. Barbara Kent offered a loan of $400 for a spring
planting at the tree farm. There was a discussion about changing it to a gift, as the
Town bookkeeping structure can’t handle loans. Also, there was discussion of
transplanting American Beech.
3. Friends of Trees: Gerry Paul wants nine board members. Peg Bradley, Barbara
Kent and Lisa Baci have signed on.
4. The group welcomed Jim Wood and Markus Pinney on their reappointment to the
Tree Committee.
5. John reported that a few people in Concord are pushing for a Tree Bylaw.
6. Commemorative tree brochures and procedures: Discussion brought up the idea
that perhaps a member of the FoT could take on the various tasks to promote this fund
raising effort, which has so far produced 4 Commemorative Trees. Gerry Paul will
present this to the FoT board.
7. Computer replacement : (see item 2b). Stationary logo: Jeanne suggested that we
follow up on Selectman Manz’s suggestion that the design be self - printed by
prospective letter writers.
8. Other biz: John Frey, Nell W., Anne S., Markus Pinney and Karen L. will meet Nov.
6 at 9:00 am at Karen’s house, 143 Concord Avenue, to start work on revising the Tree
Management Manual.
It was apparent that the Manual has not been available on the Town Website.
Next regular meeting: November 8, 2007 AM in Room 111